Questions and Answers
Who is the classical Chinese novelist and poet believed to have written one of the 4 great classical novels of Chinese literature?
Wu Cheng'en
What type of language was used so that common people could read the story?
The local vernacular which was considered 'vulgar'
What is the common title of Journey to the West given to it by the English translator?
Monkey
What is the dominant religion in Journey to the West?
Signup and view all the answers
What historic event is Journey to the West based upon?
Signup and view all the answers
Where does the monkey come from?
Signup and view all the answers
What reward is given to whoever pierced the great curtain of water?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Stone Monkey describe the place beyond the great curtain of water?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the reason the Handsome Monkey King becomes sad?
Signup and view all the answers
Name three things impervious to the King of Death.
Signup and view all the answers
What is what the monkey goes searching for?
Signup and view all the answers
Whom does the monkey come across singing while he is on his journey?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'Aware of Vacuity' refer to in the narrative?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the monkey ask the boy at the cave to teach him?
Signup and view all the answers
What name is given to the Monkey by the patriarch?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Author and Literary Work
- Wu Cheng'en wrote one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature, recognized as a classical Chinese novelist and poet.
Language
- The narrative uses a local vernacular, referred to as "vulgar," to ensure accessibility for common readers.
English Title
- The English translation commonly refers to the story as "Monkey."
Religions Represented
- Buddhism is the dominant religion influencing the themes and characters in "Journey to the West."
Historical Context
- The story is rooted in a historic event involving a travel ban mandated by the emperor.
Origin of the Monkey
- The character of the monkey originates from a magic stone, from which he is born.
Reward for Valor
- The emperor offers a king title as a reward for anyone who can pierce the great curtain of water.
Description of Heaven
- The Stone Monkey refers to the realm beyond the great curtain of water as heaven.
Themes of Mortality
- The Handsome Monkey King experiences sadness upon realizing the inevitability of death.
Immunity to Death
- Three entities considered impervious to death include Buddha, immortals, and sages.
Quest for Immortality
- The monkey embarks on a journey primarily in search of immortality.
Encounters
- During his journey, the monkey meets a woodcutter who is singing.
Enlightenment Concept
- The phrase "Awakened to Emptiness" represents an awareness of Vacuity in philosophical terms.
Instruction Request
- The monkey seeks guidance from a boy at the cave on how to achieve immortality.
Identity Transformation
- The patriarch bestows the name Sun Wukong upon the monkey, marking his transformation in identity.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of key terms and definitions from Chapter 1 of 'Journey to the West'. This quiz includes important figures and linguistic elements that define the narrative style of this classic Chinese novel. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike.
